tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161415672014-10-03T04:08:48.139-04:00N7UN Adventures and Ham Radio ActivitiesThis is a chronological log of my Ham Radio activities and adventures.N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-10632809529647868962012-07-16T22:09:00.000-04:002012-07-16T22:09:31.998-04:00<h2>Spectacular Field Day at W5YA</h2>I was fortunate to be in New Mexico for a mini-family reunion in late June. I also had an opportunity to SOTA-activate a few local peaks including Sandia Crest (10,678 ft/3225 M) which overlooks Albuquerque. And a few days later, several joint SOTA-activations with Fred/KT5X who later invited me to join their award-winning, #1-in-category, Field Day team in northern New Mexico near Chama. <br /> <br />What a great FD experience! First we were truly in the "field", no electricity, no generators, only solar panels and batteries. Although we did have good cellphone coverage, so we weren't totally disconnected. And no amenities like nearby restuarants, late-night pizza deliveries, hot water, well, you get the point. I had become disillusioned with the "town park" type of FD efforts where folks are more interested in supper then back home for all the comforts of home, leaving two or three stalwarts to man the radios. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liKoaPZR47I/UATJH5GjE0I/AAAAAAAABGU/tBhjU8TB6Ls/s1600/20m+FD+Moxon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liKoaPZR47I/UATJH5GjE0I/AAAAAAAABGU/tBhjU8TB6Ls/s320/20m+FD+Moxon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the past 10 yrs, Fred/KT5X has built up a highly competitive team, a set of 2-element Moxons for 40-15m, and a great location with a big hill downslope to the east and northeast, thereby providing some RF propogation enhancement for our QRP-battery signals. Over the past several years, the FD club call of W5YA has been number 1 in the 3A-battery/QRP class and ranked in the top 10-15 for ALL classes. So it was a special treat to participate with a dedicated group of "contest-capable" but yet "elmering-oriented" folks in a more traditional Field Day location. <br /><br /> Antenna setup was a breeze. The team had perfected the deployment of the single band Moxons (15m, 20m, 40m) for either a dedicated 20 ft mast or 4 strategically located pine trees for the 40m Moxon. The 80m dipole was strung across a wash between two 40 ft pine trees where the feedpoint was probably 60-70 ft high and angled northeast. <br /><br />After the 24 hour effort, the team of 3 transmitters and eight operators including a VHF 6m station (no openings so only a few qsos) and a GOTA CW station (which had over 250 qsos!) amassed over 1,925 qsos and a total score (including bonus points) of nearly 20,000! Looking at the past year scores, this will certainly be a top 10 finish for ALL entrants! Not bad for a QRP 5 watt set of stations! <br /><br />The secret New Mexico Field Day "sauce" was the following: <br /><br />1) IF you think you are "strong", you will be. In other words, act as if you have a strong signal which means a lot of CQing interspersed with rapid band searches to pounce on new stations. This strategy is very productive as most (maybe 80%) field day operations are in Search and Pounce modes. If you can keep a clear frequency, they will find you. If not, S&amp;P until you find a clear frequency then CQ again. <br />2) Focus on CW as it has a distinct points advantage over SSB. <br />3) "Nurture" a GOTA station. Not only can you elmer a new operator(s) but the points are "free" meaning you don't have to count the GOTA station in your transmitter total. <br />4) Build efficient and effective antennas. I was surprised at the front-to-back signal strengths of the 2-element Moxons plus the gain certainly helps the 5 watt signal. <br /> 5) "Sit in the chair", the contesting mantra for accumulating a lot of qsos! But with enough folks to man the 3 transmitters, everyone got a good break but certainly a lot of operating time. <br />6) Use the "best" transceivers possible, in this case, Elecraft K3s. <br /><br />It was a pleasure to share FD with these folks! Thanks Fred/KT5X for the opportunity.N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-52279933283993033882012-05-04T17:03:00.004-04:002012-05-04T17:05:42.206-04:00<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Impressions of the New Elecraft KX3</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the fortunate opportunity to use a new Elecraft KX3 (Ser# 23) while on a mini-DXpedition to Montserrat/VP2M April 8-16th.&nbsp; This included both Villa base station and beach /p operations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disclaimer:&nbsp; I am a K1, K2, and K3 owner/user.&nbsp; I am a huge supporter of Elecraft products and frequent drinker of the Elecraft kool-aid!&nbsp; I also have used the Yaesu FT-817, FT-857, and FT-897 portable radios.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTOOHoEYKqQ/T6REH28TgeI/AAAAAAAABGI/Tap9spTTiNs/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTOOHoEYKqQ/T6REH28TgeI/AAAAAAAABGI/Tap9spTTiNs/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTOOHoEYKqQ/T6REH28TgeI/AAAAAAAABGI/Tap9spTTiNs/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here’s my non-technical impressions of this rig:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1)&nbsp;The KX3 is much lighter and smaller than I expected.&nbsp; Yes, I saw/touched the Elecraft booth rigs at Dayton last year, but to have it in your hand and using it is much different.&nbsp; Maybe it was just the excitement of actually being able to use it!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2)&nbsp;It is an SDR (software define radio) but you would not know it.&nbsp; It functioned nearly like my more traditional K2 radio.&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3)&nbsp;What a pleasure to have a BIG display that was easy to read in bright, daytime sunlight conditions.&nbsp; Especially compared to the Yaesu rigs!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4)&nbsp;The panel layout was functional and relatively intuitive.&nbsp; But you DO need to read the operating manual.&nbsp; Lots of functionality layered, so-to-speak, in the multi-function knobs or push-buttons.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5)&nbsp;Not all the knobs or push-buttons operate the same as in the K3.&nbsp; If you are a K3 user, you will have to read the operating manual to understand the different key functionality.&nbsp; However, the learning curve is short and soon you are navigating the panel efficiently.&nbsp; But do read the operating manual!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6)&nbsp;If you are familiar with the K3, the “Menu”, “Config” , and “Display” keys are intuitive and logical.&nbsp; But do read the operating manual!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7)&nbsp;Performance was excellent!&nbsp; I had some raging pileups as VP2MUN/p where the filtered passband of about 600 hz had “dozens” of CW callers, all seemingly 20+ db over 9 on the S-meter.&nbsp; No detectable artifacts, no AGC pumping, no overloading!&nbsp; I get the same performance on my K3 with the tight roofing filters!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8)&nbsp;I was initially “suspect” of the new, connected CW paddles.&nbsp; However, once the paddles were adjusted, I quickly learned to really “like” the paddles.&nbsp; They have a good feel.&nbsp; I do still like my outboard Palm Mini-paddles, however.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9)&nbsp;The onboard ATU was fast.&nbsp; I didn’t test it, however, on challenging mismatches like an EFHW antenna.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10)&nbsp;The built in speaker is adequate.&nbsp; I use earbuds (since I am mostly a CW operator) and the audio volume is more than adequate.&nbsp; Small outboard speakers could provide that “shack presence” if you wanted.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11)&nbsp;I did operate the rig on SSB with my Yamaha CM500 mic and headphones. I did adjust the compression and equalized the transmit audio for my voice per the recommended guidelines using the ALC menu per the manual.&nbsp; I got “great” audio reports and many folks gave unsolicited “great punch” reports and were surprised I was “only” running 10 watts.&nbsp; Plenty of audio drive for the Yamaha headphones.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12)&nbsp;Battery current drain was low but then I’m also used to my K2.&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3)&nbsp;Elecraft support was exceptional.&nbsp; Wayne of Elecraft had emailed me prior to the trip indicating his immediate support if we had any “issues” while operating the rig.&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14)&nbsp;I used a 4S2P outboard A123 battery to power the KX3.&nbsp; I did not use the internal battery pack on my /p operations but Paul/KB9AVO (Ser#24) did use the internal pack for some PSK31 contacts where it worked fine according to him.&nbsp; I monitored my battery voltage via the KX3 Display setting and never saw it dip, i.e. after two hours of 50% duty cycle operating I was still on the linear discharge curve for the battery.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5)&nbsp;On one /p operation to a local beach, the ambient air temperatures in the shade were in the low 90’s.&nbsp; Humidity was typical “tropical”.&nbsp; I operated on both 20m and 17m CW.&nbsp; I never saw the PA temperature rise above 54 C.&nbsp; And in minutes, it would drop into the high 40’s C.&nbsp; The backside of the case was “warm” to the touch so the PA heatsink was doing its job.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was fun to operate the KX3 as a portable and base station rig.&nbsp; I could easily see, given the performance characteristics, that this rig could become your “one rig does all”.&nbsp; Now that shipping has begun, I hope you too will soon get to enjoy this finely crafted transceiver.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-26587442542098787692012-05-02T14:18:00.000-04:002012-05-04T16:59:13.039-04:00<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Too much FUN on the "Emerald Isle" of Montseratt</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">Another terrific "Buddies in the Caribbean" mini-DXpedition trip into the Caribbean, this time to VP2M (<st1:place w:st="on">Montserrat</st1:place>) on April 8-16th, 2012 with a new group of Buddipole owners who have never experienced the "other side of a pileup"! And if that wasn't enough excitement, we had two of the new Elecraft KX3's (Ser#23 and #24) with us which only added to the pileups, especially when we were beach portable! This was the first DXpedition using the new KX3 radio! What an honor for Buddipole!<br /><br />Because of severe baggage limits on the Antigua to Monserrat flight segment (only one bag under 50 lbs!), we were certainly limited to 100 watt or less low power radios and the Buddipole portable antenna systems. Yet our goal was to demonstrate "ultralite" dxpeditioning into magnificent "vista" locations, operating field portable, battery-only radios with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all "having fun" on the "volcano isle" or before the volcano started eruptions in 1995, better known as the "Emerald Isle".</span> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">It was fascinating to visit <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Plymouth</st1:place></st1:city>, the now abandoned capital city and once major population center for the island. Just a week before our arrival, restricted Zone C was opened for "approved tours" which took us to a hill overlooking what was once a thriving downtown and major port area but now covered with 15 ft or more of ash and mudflows from the numerous eruptions over the past 15 years. Soufriere Hills is still quite active with several major lava dome buildups and then collapses resulting in more ash and lahar mudflows. See <a href="http://www.montserratvolcano.org/" target="_blank">Montserrat Volcano Pictures</a> </span><span style="color: black;">for some recent spectacular pictures.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">The KX3 performed flawlessly particularly while /p from nearby beaches. Steve/wG0AT threw together a few minutes of video that you can see below. This video was at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sand</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Hill</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>on the northwest part of the island and features the KX3 in a CW pileup! And note how effective the noise blanker deals with some S7 pulse noise encountered on the beach!</span></span></span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gjjgHCLESuk" width="560"></iframe> <br /><br /><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">We stayed at <a href="http://www.volcano-island.com/" target="_blank">Gingerbread Hill Villa</a></span><span style="color: black;">, a very ham-friendly Villa located in the northwest part of the island with clear shots to NA and EU. The pileups were outstanding in spite of the low propagation numbers. We had evenings where 10m was open well past 11 pm!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black;">Our neighbor, a house about 100 yds away from the Villa, had a "pet" parrot named Jade. Jade became a DXpedition regular at the Villa, coming over to visit us in the afternoons. Maybe it was all the jalapeño-flavored chips we were feeding him? Jade would perch on an operator's shoulder and "critique" the operators effectiveness! Or was it the high RF environment? Earphones were required as a "screech" from Jade was at least 100 db! And the immutable law of physics, that "what goes in, must come out", was upheld. But not one operator was "christened"....some near misses however! About 5 pm, the telephone would ring with Jade's owner asking, "is my bird down there?". Can you send her home!" Of course you can imagine the "pun fun" we had with Jade.</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwXwlfolLzk/T6LPQeojcWI/AAAAAAAABFs/fZwOXUSjICU/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwXwlfolLzk/T6LPQeojcWI/AAAAAAAABFs/fZwOXUSjICU/s400/Slide3.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">The eight operators were: </span></span><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">Budd/VP2MFF (W3FF), Guy/VP2MUN (N7UN), Paul/VP2MVO (KB9AVO), Larry/VP2MLR (W7DGP), Russ/VP2MQR (N7QR), Tom/VP2MTM (K2GSJ), and Chris/VP2MYZ (N2YYZ). </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">There were several Gingerbread Villa stations in operation on 80-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY or PSK. At the same time, several teams were battery-only, field portable either from <st1:place w:st="on">Montserrat</st1:place>beaches with the KX3 and signing callsign/p.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_6zhR5mmPQ/T6LQcz3OYPI/AAAAAAAABF0/V0gYdppaLNI/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_6zhR5mmPQ/T6LQcz3OYPI/AAAAAAAABF0/V0gYdppaLNI/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">If you are interested in going on one of these Buddipole trips, please email Budd (w3ff@Buddipole.com) for more information.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #285685; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: black;">Take a look at our Caribbean Buddies website for more up-to-date information at </span><a _mce_href="http://suitcasedxpeditions.com/" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://suitcasedxpeditions.com/" shape="rect"><span style="color: black;">http://suitcasedxpeditions.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-921666903850792572012-04-04T19:40:00.002-04:002012-04-04T19:40:44.753-04:00Final Announcement: VP2M with new KX3's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sv9swJIRTsQ/T3zbcvfbBTI/AAAAAAAABFg/grZPFrz2cE8/s1600/bpHOTTERthanHELL+DX.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sv9swJIRTsQ/T3zbcvfbBTI/AAAAAAAABFg/grZPFrz2cE8/s1600/bpHOTTERthanHELL+DX.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sv9swJIRTsQ/T3zbcvfbBTI/AAAAAAAABFg/grZPFrz2cE8/s320/bpHOTTERthanHELL+DX.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span lang="">The"Buddies in the Caribbean" mini-DXpedition group is off to VP2M (Montserrat) April 8-16th, 2012 with a new group of operators who have never experienced the "other side of a pileup"! We will have two of the new Elecraft KX3's (Ser#23 and #24) with us! We believe this will be the first DXpedition using the new KX3 radio!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Because of severe baggage limits on the Antigua to Monserrat flight (one bag under 50 lbs!), we will be limited to 100 watt or less low power radios and the Buddipole portable antenna systems. Yet our goal is to demonstrate "ultralite" dxpeditioning into magnificent "vista" locations, operating a field portable, battery-only KX3 radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all "having fun" on the "volcano isle".<br /> <br />The eight operators are: Budd/VP2MFF (W3FF), Guy/VP2MUN (N7UN), Paul/VP2MVO (KB9AVO), Larry/VP2MLR (W7DGP), Russ/VP2MQR (N7QR), Tom/VP2MTM (K2GSJ), and Chris/VP2MYZ (N2YYZ). There will be several Gingerbread Villa stations in operation on 160-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY or PSK. At the same time, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from Montserrat beaches or scenic mountain tops with the KX3 and signing callsign/p. <br /> <br />QSL via LoTW, eQSL,or mail to the operator’s home callsign (SASE required). </span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-43960316143228470942012-01-24T19:40:00.000-05:002012-01-24T19:40:08.514-05:00<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Buddipole Invasion of Grenada (J3) Feb 1-9th 2012</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyTq7i2thvw/Tx9MvlFSnRI/AAAAAAAABFU/5YY986HFwN0/s1600/GeckoFINAL2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyTq7i2thvw/Tx9MvlFSnRI/AAAAAAAABFU/5YY986HFwN0/s1600/GeckoFINAL2.jpeg" /></a></div>Hard to believe another year of adventure has gone by and now, Feb 1-9th, the Buddipole Adventure Team #1 will be in J3/Grenada for a mini-DXpedition including a number of daytrip, backpack, battery-only portable "eco-operations" to scenic mountain tops or beaches. Each February, the Buddipole Adventure Team #1 travels to a new Caribbean island as part of a 100 lbs or less, "suitcase DXpedition" and run HF 100-watt stations from a northerly-facing, hilltop Villa. Each day the more adventurous team members head out to explore the scenic vistas of the island and to operate portable with backpackable radios and the Buddipole antenna system.&nbsp; The team members are: Chris/W6HFP, Budd/W3FF, Steve/wG0AT, Paul/KB9AVO, Mike/KC4VG, Wey-Bob/K8EAB, Bill/W7ZT, and Guy/N7UN.&nbsp; We expect to have J38xx callsigns.&nbsp; Follow us on the DX Cluster or for up-to-the-hour posts at <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BuddipoleLIVE/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BuddipoleLIVE/</a>.&nbsp; Hope to work you from J3!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-85128576378073434342011-12-14T18:11:00.001-05:002011-12-14T18:15:31.728-05:00<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Another J6/St Lucia trip completed!</strong></span><br /><br />What a wonderful and scenic island. Each time I return with the Buddipole in the Carribean group, I discover more I like. I highly recommend this island to visit, either for a sightseeing vacation or ham radio activities. See our <a href="http://suitcasedxpeditions.com">J6 website</a><br /><br />With a "new" group of Buddipole users, we were operational from the "Chateau Devaux" in a matter of hours starting Monday morning, 5 Dec. And the 15m-10m bands were just plain "HOT"! 10m opened early (about 2 hrs after sunrise) into Europe and was going strong into the USA until an hour after sunset. Same for 15m and 12m. 20m and 17m seemed "dead" but were probably open but everyone was on the higher bands. <br /><br />I entered into the ARRL 10m Contest on Sat/Sun. Really only operated about 12 hrs but had tremendous runs into Europe and the US. Wish I had operated more CW to boost my multiplier count but I'm sure that I was the only operater from J6....hence a First Place! Here's my clubLog totals:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukbQTNOwOm4/TuktBifd6TI/AAAAAAAABE4/e2DDgygyePM/s1600/J68UN%2BStats%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukbQTNOwOm4/TuktBifd6TI/AAAAAAAABE4/e2DDgygyePM/s320/J68UN%2BStats%25231.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1lLalzOeqs/TuktI9oQDhI/AAAAAAAABFE/m1Zw3KeQrU4/s1600/J68UN%2BStats%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1lLalzOeqs/TuktI9oQDhI/AAAAAAAABFE/m1Zw3KeQrU4/s320/J68UN%2BStats%25232.jpg" /></a></div>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-2195776943874826352011-12-03T16:13:00.001-05:002011-12-03T16:16:31.718-05:00<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Back to St Lucia as J68UN</strong></span><br /><br />The "Buddies in the Caribbean" mini- DXpedition group which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and Buddipole portable antenna systems is back again to St Lucia (J6) on Dec 4 – 12, 2011. The north shore Villa location was magnificent on our first visit in Feb 2010 and we want to demonstrate "ultralite" dxpeditioning into magnificent "vista" locations, operating a field portable battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all "having fun" with a new group of operators.<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NVEOPO0m51w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>The eight operators are: Budd/W3FF, Guy/N7UN, Bill/AA4OC, Barclay/WU1B, Tom/K9CJM, Steve/WF2S, Joe/N7BF, and David/WD9CMD. There will be 3 villa stations in operation on 160-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY. At the same time, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from St Lucia beaches or scenic mountain tops. They group is applying for a unique J68UN callsign for the ARRL 10m contest on Dec 10-11th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or mail to the operator’s home callsign (SASE required). For more current information, see our <a href="http://www.suitcasedxpeditions.com">J6 website</a>. Hope to work you!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-51166817392948165452011-11-16T10:40:00.002-05:002011-11-16T10:50:30.852-05:00<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>SOTA RadioAdventure to the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, NE Oregon</strong></span><br /><br />Eagle Cap Peak (SOTA W7/NE-008) is one of the predominate landmarks in the Wallowa Mountains in northeast Oregon. Popular as a premier trout fishing and backpacking area, the wilderness area encompasses over 50 SOTA-qualified Peaks, many over 9,000 ft. The backcountry is characterized by deep river valleys with soaring summit ridges, often 4,000 ft above the valley floors. Most mountain ridges are characterized by significant glacier carving with spectacular cirques and headwalls, numerous high mountain lakes, and big moraines that formed Wallowa Lake, the central tourist and camping destination for this area. The area is bordered on the east by the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area and the Snake River.<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9ZviwmrTSRw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />Historically it was home to the Nez Perce Indians from the early 1400's and their descendants still occupy this region adding a cultural dimension to the cities and small towns. See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a> for more of the despicable history of broken Treaties and massacres by the US Military in the late 1800's. <br /><br /><br />From the city of Lostine, we drove up the Lostine Creek Corridor, a deep mountain valley which follows the Lostine Creek to the Two Pan Trailhead and campground. There are several trails into the "high lakes" area which includes Minam and Mirror Lakes. We hiked up the East Lostine Creek trail for about 7 miles gaining over 2,000 ft. The majority of the elevation gain is in the first 2.5 miles then plateaus out to a more gentle high valley area flanked by huge mountain ridges either side of Lostine Creek.<br /><br /><br />The Eagle Cap summit trail branches off from the Mirror-Minam Lake trail and is a fairly steep 2.7 mile hike. Elevation gain is about 2,000 ft from the Mirror Lake (7,600 ft). The top is spectacular with vistas in all directions. The north and east sides of the summit are steep dropoffs of 2,000 ft or more. The east side is an open cirque and "looks" invitingly easy as a return trail past Glacier Lake. Don\\\'t be deceived (as we were). There is no trail down and you will be "bouldering" for most of your descent. Granite rocks are very slippery when wet.<br /><br />Ham Radio Setup: This is an open and exposed summit. High winds should be expected and be especially careful near the north and east sides of the summit. It would be very easy to "slip" on the loose rock and plummet over a 2,000 ft drop to become a SK! <br /><br />There is a very good local 2m repeater (KB7DZR, 147.000+, 103.5T) with Echolink and APRS nodes and excellent backcountry coverage, at least from the mountain tops. It is monitored by a number of friendly locals and is owned/maintained by Scott Hampton. See his webpage for more information and weather-reporting capabilities. Make sure you contact Tim/KB7RVL, Lorna/KB7RVI, or Larry/K7BUY if you are in the area.<br /><br />Eagle Cap Peak would be a difficult day hike. Plan at least to camp overnight at Mirror Lake. In the summer months, especially on weekends, this campground can get "crowded" so plan your trip accordingly. Also expect horses or llamas on these trails.N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-18474793516625543542011-08-14T17:39:00.003-04:002011-08-15T08:52:59.712-04:00<span lang=""><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Coloradio nS0TA in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park Radio Adventures</strong></span><br />For three days I hiked 3 different peaks in Rocky Mtn National Park (RMNP) the first week of August. I had never visited the Park before and now understand why it was preserved as a national resource in 1915. Nearly 1/3 of the Park is above treeline, 11,400 ft. A number of its Peaks are SOTA-qualified, an Activators paradise! <br /><br />Early Tuesday, Aug 2, I was up early, eager to get into the Park and the Bear Lake Trailhead for Hallett Pk/W0/FR-019. I didn't know what to expect logistically but with some advanced help from Rich/W0LI, a local residing in Estes Park, I found my way to the Park &amp; Ride to Bear Lake. The Park is crowded with visitors, especially those from the midwest trying to escape the August heat. Parking is limited and the easiest/fastest way to get around the Park is by the frequent shuttle buses.<br /><br />See my <ahref="https: 107464132574811713773="" 20110802hallettpkw0fr018#?="" picasaweb.google.com="">pictures for this trip. </ahref="https:></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">The Flattop trail is well-traveled and maintained. The challenge is the 3,400 ft elevation gain from 9,300 to 12,700 ft, not an easy task for a flatlander! The Flattop Trail is one of the more popular hikes, characterized by many vista overlooks and a lot of people hiking the trail. The top of Flattop is non-descript. Follow the signs and rock cairns to Hallett Peak. Be sure to look "into" the Tyndall Glacier at the sign. Just spectacular! Hallet is a rock/boulder climb in many places and certainly wind exposed. Follow the rock cairns to the peak. See this <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/hallett-peak/151577">link</a></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">&nbsp;for more climbing information. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For Day 2 of my 3 day odyssey in RMNP, I chose to hike Ypsilon Peak (W0/FR-009-13,414') in the Mummy Range just east of the Alpine Center. Access to the Chapin Trailhead is up the ONE WAY Old Trail Head Road which just opened days before my arrival due to excessive snow depths. If the road is closed, it is possible to hike down the 1 mile to Chapin Trailhead from the Alpine Center. I had a Nat'l Geographic Map #200 which has sufficient detail and includes most trails. Stop at any of the Visitor's Centers for trailmap pamphlets.<br /><br />These Mummy Range trails are not part of the "official" trail system in RMNP and, as a result, will not appear on maps. Don't know why but I suspect the Forest Service doesn't want to encourage hiking in this area. But the Chapin Trail is hiked often to be easily navigable although trail head parking is very limited...maybe 10 cars or so. Get there early for a parking spot. Access to the Old Trail Head Road is off Hyw 34 and is a narrow gravel/dirt road. See this <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/ypsilon-mountain/151685">link</a>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">for more information. </span><span lang="EN">See some <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107464132574811713773/20110803YpsilonPkW0FR009#">pictures</a> at this link.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> <span lang=""></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For Day 3 of my 3 day odessey in RMNP, I chose to hike Sundance Peak (W0/FR-019-12,416') in the Mummy Range just east of the Alpine Center. The goal was to meet up with 3 of the "locals" to demo a SOTA Activation at or near sunrise! W0LI/Rich, NQ4O/Dan, and KD4PDW/David. Rich is retired in Estes Park, Dan is a Park Ranger and David is 2-week old ham but works in Estes Park.<br /><br />Take Hwy 34 west and about 3-1/2 miles past the Rainbow Curves vista pullout, you will find an unmarked pullout on the downhill side of the road. I had a Nat'l Geographic Map #200 which has sufficient road detail and includes most trails and vista locations. See these links</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">for more <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/sundance-mountain/152726">information</a> and my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/107464132574811713773/20110804SundancePk#">pictures</a> ,</span></span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-35515481858619838022011-07-30T11:03:00.002-04:002011-07-30T12:02:54.264-04:00<span lang=""><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Coloradio nS0TA and N0B qrp Radio Adventures</strong></span><br /><br />I have planned another nS0TA adventure extravaganza for August, this time to Coloradio for two adventures: 1) the annual Colo-14er N0B event ( see </span><a href="http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> for detail information) and 2) three days in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park. I've never spent any time in ROMO (see </span></span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> for info) and am looking forward to exploring this magnificent NP. A local ham (W0LI) who also is a volunteer at the Park has assisted me in logistics planning: Aug 2/Tue: SOTA activate Hallett Peak (W0/FR-018), an iconic ROMO landmark. More info and pictures at </span></span><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/hallett-peak/151577"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://www.summitpost.org/hallett-peak/151577</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">. On Aug 3/Wed: activate Yipsilon Peak (W0/FR-009), another beautiful peak in the Mummy Range NW of Estes Park. See </span></span><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/ypsilon-mountain/151685"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://www.summitpost.org/ypsilon-mountain/151685</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""> for some great pictures. Then on Aug 4/Thurs: W0LI/Rich has organized a "sunrise" local club hike and "demo" activation of Sundance Peak (W0/FR-019). The 3 or 4 am departure may be the biggest challenge! More info and pictures at </span></span><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/sundance-mountain/152726"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://www.summitpost.org/sundance-mountain/152726</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Then a drive south to Steve's/wG0AT place near Colo Springs to prep for our three day adventure into the San Juan Range in south central Colo for our "big 14-er event" for N0B and participation in the annual Colo-14er ham radio special event on Aug 7th. This year KT5X/Fred will join us. The plan is to drive into the trailhead on Friday, camp and hike locally, then on Saturday move up to a higher base camp (around 12,000 ft) in preparation for an early, before dawn departure on Sunday. Our faithful sherpas, Rooster and Peanut will help us "ol' goats" with the logistics! You can see some great pictures of Handies at </span><a href="http://www.summitpost.org/handies-peak/150302"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://www.summitpost.org/handies-peak/150302</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">. </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">﻿</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzSSBg0ghDc/TjQqixvAzKI/AAAAAAAABEw/AwA6hpi886w/s1600/Handies+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzSSBg0ghDc/TjQqixvAzKI/AAAAAAAABEw/AwA6hpi886w/s320/Handies+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handies Peak 14,060 ft on right</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: small;">In all cases, we plan to operate at least one station on 14.061-CW. Watch qrpspots.com for more information each day for these trips. Follow us at </span><a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=Wg0at-7"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span lang="">http://aprs.fi/?call=Wg0at-7</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">. We look forward to working you!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-27837089334267508862011-07-17T11:57:00.001-04:002011-07-17T11:58:56.838-04:00<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>nS0TA to the White Mtns of New Hampshire</strong></span><br /><br />I'm planning a 5-day hike and camping trip thru the White Mtns of NH which will include a 6 peak SOTA extravaganza thru some of the most scenic and physically demanding mountains in the NE USA. And the week will end with a "benefit" climb (for the summit observatory, see <a href="http://www.seekthepeak.org/"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.seekthepeak.org/</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a> for more detailed information) of Mt. Washington 6,288ft/1,917m, which has the distinction as the "Home of the world's Worst Weather". Read about the 200+ mph winds at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_(New_Hampshire"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_(New_Hampshire</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a>)<br /><br />Since I've not spent anytime in these mountains, my times are approximate and I won't activate (or climb) in rainy or dangerous weather. I'll SMS post via Twitter/cellphone my current summit status. Here's my daily planned iteniary:<br /><br />Monday/18 Jul: 7 hr driveup from NJ to the Whites. Camp at Layfayette Campground. <br /><br />Tuesday/19 Jul: Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop with a stop at Mt. Layfayette (W1/HA-002). See <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/mount-lafayette/150537"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.summitpost.org/mount-lafayette/150537</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a> for some nice pictures and detailed info.<br /><br />Wed/20 Jul: Hike the Hancock Loop Trail with a stop at Mt. Hancock (W1/HA-046). See <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/hancock-north-peak-and-south-peak/153470"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.summitpost.org/hancock-north-peak-and-south-peak/153470</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a> for some nice pictures of the "Hancocks".<br /><br />Thurs/21 Jul: If the wx cooperates, this will be a "double" attempt as Mt Jefferson (W1/HA-120) and Mt Adams (W1/HA--093) are within 2.5 miles of each other. See <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/where-s-the-snow-a-late-november-romp-in-the-presis/254436"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.summitpost.org/where-s-the-snow-a-late-november-romp-in-the-presis/254436</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a> for some info. Also <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/adams-and-madison-adventure/232724"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.summitpost.org/adams-and-madison-adventure/232724</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a>.<br /><br />Fri/22 Jul: This will be a quick one if the wx is cooperating to Wildcat Mtn (W1/HA060). <br /><br />Sat/23 Jul: This is the BIG one, a benefit climb for the wx observatory at the summit. See <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/mount-washington/150248"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://www.summitpost.org/mount-washington/150248</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a>. Much has been written about Mt Washington. I look forward to the visit and, wx and wind cooperating, the SOTA activation. The "Seek the Peak" organizers are planning somewhat of a big festival/party with some 500 folks planned to attend. Just more really good stories!<br /><br />Hope to work you during this nS0TA week! Regards, Guy/N7UN with the club call nS0TA.N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-51322425009234306642011-07-01T19:46:00.001-04:002011-07-01T19:47:40.916-04:00<span lang=""><span lang=""><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">nS0TA to the Green Mtns of Vermont</span></strong><br /></span></span><br /><span lang="">I will activate 4 peaks in VT from July 4th-6th on a 3 day camping/hiking trip. The wx looks favorable right now. <br /><br />July 4th: Mt Stratton (W1/GM-007) at 3,940ft (1201m). This will be a 9.3 mi loop hike. Planned summit time of 1800 utc with my K1 on 14.061-cw. Overnight camp at Grout Pond.<br /><br />July 5th: Pico Peak (W1/GM-183) at 3,957 ft (1206m) will be first. With a 2.9 mi hike to the summit and a planned activation at 1500 utc with my K1 on 14.061-cw. Then around 1700 utc or so, I'll hike 3 mi south along the Appalachian Trail to Killington (W1/GM-002). Killington is the site of a famous NE ski resort. Elevation is 4,235 ft (1291m). Planned activation time is around 1900 utc. I will then hike the return route for a total hike of about 12 mi. <br /><br />July 6th: I'll drive north to Mount Mansfield, VT's tallest mtn at 4,393 ft (1,339m). This will be a 7.9 mi loop hike. Planned summit time of 1600 utc. <br /><br />I've never hiked in the Green Mtns before so changes in the plans can occur. I will announce via Twitter to qrpspots.com my status and any changes in these plans. </span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-44821232565254531732011-06-20T21:36:00.006-04:002011-06-28T19:44:08.368-04:00<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Club Call nS0TA Received!</span></strong><br /><br />Based on Fred's/KT5X effort in attaining a club call, wS0TA, I formed a Club with Steve/wG0AT under the FCC rules.&nbsp; With the appropriate paperwork signed and submitted with the ARRL at Dayton, we received our initial club callsign of KD2AGC within an hour!&nbsp; Three days later, I applied for a Vanity callsign of nS0TA after paying the $13 for&nbsp;a 10-yr license.&nbsp; Then the 18 day waiting period began but by June 19th, I received confirmation of the issuance of nS0TA!&nbsp; Yahoo!&nbsp; See <a href="http://www.qrz.com/db/ns0ta">qrz.com</a> for more information.<br /><br />Now a whole other dimension of SOTA fun!&nbsp;And with "some help from our friends", nS0TA Club&nbsp;was nicknamed, the "SOTAmigos"!<br /><br />On 30 June I will "christen" the new call by a local SOTA opeation to High Point, NJ W2/NJ-001.&nbsp; I will start out on 14.061-cw and if band condx are good, I will try 18.096-cw.&nbsp; Hope to work you!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-15620760785498656142011-04-23T15:54:00.001-04:002011-04-23T15:57:56.335-04:00<strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">April 2011 News Update for upcoming N7UN Adventures</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>W1W</strong> Special Event July 21-23rd, Mt Washington, NH Observatory Benefit. Concurrently a SOTA Activation. See <a href="http://www.seekthepeak.org/">http://www.seekthepeak.org/</a> for more detailed information. <br /><br /><strong>N0B</strong> Colorado 14-er Climb Special Event on Aug. 6-7th wG0AT/Steve, AC7MA/Rich, and N7UN/Guy will SOTA activate another 14,000+ ft Colorado peak. See <a href="http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/">http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/</a> for the latest information.<br /><br /><strong>N7UN/p</strong> A mid-Sept week long backpacking and SOTA activation trip into the Eagle Cap Wilderness area of NE Oregon. wG0AT/Steve, W6HFP/Chris, and maybe KE7RVL/Tim. <br /><br /><strong>J68UN</strong> A Dec 4-12th mini-DXpedition trip back to St. Lucia (J6) with the Buddipole folks and a bunch of "new" dxpeditioners. Always a welcome break from winter with a bunch of fun-loving folks. Planned /p operations from the beaches and mountaintops.N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-19863584959406151152011-02-17T20:10:00.000-05:002011-02-17T20:10:12.005-05:00<b>What a great 10 days in J7-land Dominica </b><br />Wow!&nbsp; What a great time due in part by my escape from weeks of sub-freezing temperatures in NJ!&nbsp; Certainly the 80's in Dominica were a welcome treat.&nbsp; The north shore of Dominica is beautiful.&nbsp; Actually the whole island is a recreational playground with many beautiful beaches and an abundance of hiking trails.&nbsp; Economically, however, Dominica is much more impoverished than other Caribbean islands with greater than 60% of its estimated 70k population chronically unemployed.&nbsp; Tourism plays a major economic role and there are many, many roadside stands selling local fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts.&nbsp; And the island has launched one of the first national hiking trails that goes from the north to the south through two of its national parks.&nbsp; The Wai'tuKubuli National Trail is 174km long, divided into 14 segments, is destined to be a major Caribbean eco-destination for hikers.&nbsp; The trail passes from the southern beaches through two National Heritage protected&nbsp; Parks north to the very scenic north shore ending in history-rich Portsmouth.&nbsp;<br /><br />The intriped Buddipole team of Chris/W6HFP, Steve/wG0AT, and myself spent nearly each day of our week long dxpedition hiking and field activating remote beach or mountain sites in this very scenic island.&nbsp; See some of the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/N7un.Guy/J7DominicaFeb2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCICh166jt5TaQw&amp;feat=directlink">pictures</a> of the many days hiking and some of the beautiful beaches we had some QRP fun, often between frequent rain showers!&nbsp; But the rain squalls were short lived and more importantly, they were warm!<br /><br />Steve/wG0AT is creating one of his famous videos of our fun.&nbsp; Stay tuned for more action!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-36605249652937761772011-01-14T09:28:00.002-05:002011-01-21T12:00:13.095-05:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Feb 2011 News Release:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The "Buddies in the Caribbean" DXpedition (Team #1) which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and the Buddipole portable antenna systems are going to <b>Dominica (J7)</b> on February 1-9th, 2011.&nbsp; Yes, a very welcome change in weather from the cold and snow of north NJ!&nbsp; Part of the "fun" is the hiking into scenic locations and operating QRP portable!&nbsp; My Dominica callsign is J79UN.&nbsp; <br /><br />We plan to stay at the Calibashie Cove hotel ( http://www.calibishiecove.com/ ) on the north shore of Dominica.&nbsp; After two very successful mini-DXpeditions to St Lucia in 2010, we look forward to demonstrating our capabilities for "ultralite" DXpeditioning into magnificent vista locations, operating a field portable, battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all having fun.&nbsp; The entire mini-DXpedition is limited to equipment that can fit in your airline suitcase.&nbsp; QSL to N7UN or LoTW.&nbsp; SASE required.&nbsp; NO IRC's or eQSL. </div>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-46928547305093066722010-11-27T15:55:00.001-05:002010-11-27T15:57:40.203-05:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Back to J6/St Lucia Dec 5-13th</b></span><br /><br />The "Buddies in the Caribbean" DXpedition group which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and the Buddipole portable antenna systems is back again to St Lucia (J6) on Dec 5 – 13, 2010.&nbsp; The north shore Villa location was magnificent on our first visit in Feb 2010 and we want to demonstrate "ultralite" dxpeditioning into magnificent "vista" locations, operating a field portable battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all "having fun" with a new group of operators.<br /><br />The eight operators are:&nbsp; Budd/W3FF, Guy/N7UN, Wey/K8EAB, Bill/W7ZT, Todd/N4LA, Kent/K4MK, Gary/NX8L, and Tom/W4OKW.&nbsp; There will be 3 villa stations in operation on 160-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY.&nbsp; At the same time, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from St Lucia beaches or scenic mountain tops.&nbsp; They group is applying for a unique J6BP callsign for the ARRL 10m contest on Dec 11-12th.&nbsp; QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or mail to the operator’s home callsign (SASE required).&nbsp; For more current information, see our <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/caribbeanbuddies/">J6 website</a>.&nbsp; Hope to work you!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-65206888642513052782010-06-17T09:53:00.001-04:002010-07-05T08:48:18.067-04:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b>News Release June, 2010:</b></span><br /><br />The Old Goats DXpedition team (wG0AT, N7UN and including Rooster and Peanut!) are planning our 3rd Colo 14er "special event" activation of of a Colorado 14er this August 8th, 2010 using our 2009 callsign of N0B. After setting a "first" for a QRP HF out-of-state, 14er-to-14er qso in 2008 (Mt. Whitney, CA to Uncompaghre, CO), this time we hope to make a 3-way, summit QSOs between two California peaks and our yet-to-be-selected Colorado peak. The Colorado team will hike into a high base camp on Friday and setup QRP antennas for Friday and Saturday radio fun. Then at 4 am, Sunday, we will start the summit climb with a goal of an 8 am summit activation using special event callsign N0B. At the same time, several operators (Brian/N6IZ for sure) will be climbing Mt. Shasta and several others are looking at Mt. Whitney. Anybody that might be interested in participating even if its basecamp activities in support of the climbing teams, please contact Guy/N7UN. You can get updated information at http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com Hope to work you!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-21555523458134514922010-04-09T13:07:00.004-04:002010-04-10T07:42:31.981-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_usrLWeoGXRA/S79fVOQI5lI/AAAAAAAABCE/CxDLVLmx8g0/s1600/Marconi+Towers_W1M+QSL+Frt_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_usrLWeoGXRA/S79fVOQI5lI/AAAAAAAABCE/CxDLVLmx8g0/s320/Marconi+Towers_W1M+QSL+Frt_1.jpg" /></a></div>What started out to be a simple beach activation of this historic Marconi site turned into a great adventure. A group of QRPers including Pi/K1RV, Steve/wG0AT, Chris/W6HFP, and Guy/N7UN activated this site on March 11 pm and March 12 am. Operation included 160m QRP, and 80m through 17m QRO on March 12th using the historic early Marconi callsign, W1M. Because of some fortuitous circumstances, we are staying overnight at the USCG Station at Marconi Beach and will have access to a wire dipole hung from a 90' site tower. <br /><br />We had a blast and it was great to learn the history of Marconi's efforts from Whitey/K1VV and Ranger Barbara/N1NS and a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see an original spark gap transmitter and reciever. This is an original site picture in the 1910's.&nbsp;&nbsp; The beach "dropoff", due to beach erosion, is now back to the rear tower footings which is all that remains of the original installation.&nbsp; By the way, those towers were made of wood and were 200 ft tall!<br /><br />Thanks to all we worked as W1M. See http://www.qrz.com/db/W1M for QSL and more information.&nbsp; See Steve's/wG0AT great <a href="http://www.youtube.com/goathiker#p/a/u/0/9oP5ZMWJ0fU">video </a>of this operation, original site pictures and a "demo" of a spark gap transmitter!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-44001680512356311342010-04-01T16:05:00.000-04:002010-04-01T16:33:04.134-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_usrLWeoGXRA/S7UABJXrnjI/AAAAAAAABBo/BfeTphFExGE/s1600/Petite+Piton%235.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_usrLWeoGXRA/S7UABJXrnjI/AAAAAAAABBo/BfeTphFExGE/s320/Petite+Piton%235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455266543324339762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">St Lucia (J6) and the Climb of Pitit Piton</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Wow! What a great week in the Caribbean paradise of St Lucia. Chris/W6HFP, Steve/wG0AT, and myself "left the villa everyday" for beach, vista locations, or mountain-topping field HF portable operations. We rented some mountain bikes which let us explore nearby local beaches but one day we drove the 60km south to Soufriere to climb Pitit Piton, the classic photographer's icon of St Lucia. WHY you ask? The bottom line: I'm an adventure junkie...coupled with the desire to HF activate "memorable" locations! Crazy? Yes, but it was "more than fun!" See the wG0AT <a href="http://www.youtube.com/buddipole#p/u/0/PwlJBXo67OQ">video </a>of this "extreme QRP adventure!" The weather was perfect up top since the wind was blowing over the top of us. We spent two hours making contacts primarily with Eu and the US. Memorable...you bet! See our mini-dxpedition <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/caribbeanbuddies/">website</a> for more information about St Lucia, our villa, and obtaining ham radio licenses.<br /></span>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-29334248068221337002010-01-02T11:59:00.000-05:002010-01-02T12:05:35.270-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Feb 2010 to St Lucia (J6)</span><br /><br />How lucky can a guy get? I'm off to St Lucia with the BuddiPole Dxpedition team Feb 2-11th. The goal is the same as last years FS/PJ7/PJ6 effort, that is, to "operate battery field QRP portable from beaches, mountain tops, and other vista locations". After a lengthy license application process, we all received authorizations to operate under the ITU designator J6/homecall. See our <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/caribbeanbuddies/">website</a> for more detailed information or our <a href="http://caribbeanbuddies.blogspot.com/">blogsite</a> for day-by-day detail. This is gonna be another great hamradio adventure!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-60419187007462730402009-08-20T11:45:00.000-04:002010-01-02T11:58:44.995-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">WE MADE IT!!<br /><br /></span>Yahoo! The climb and assault on Mt Humboldt was successful for the Old Goats Dxpedition team of wG0AT, sherpas Rooster and Peanut, and myself. The wx was clear but the wind was persistent for the three days we were in base camps or on the mountain top. For a more in depth story, go to our dedicated <a href="http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/">blogsite </a>for this Colo-14er ham radio event and follow the links to the videos of our base camps and HF and VHF operation from the 14,064' mountain top, in spite of the 40+ mph gusty winds!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-63243909176881873642009-08-01T07:50:00.000-04:002009-08-01T07:56:13.111-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_usrLWeoGXRA/SnQtQ5KWfZI/AAAAAAAABAI/zWALz6hkncM/s1600-h/200606_Humboldt.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364962824350498194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_usrLWeoGXRA/SnQtQ5KWfZI/AAAAAAAABAI/zWALz6hkncM/s320/200606_Humboldt.jpg" /></a><strong>News Release #2: 2009 Colorado 14er Event</strong> <div><br /><div>In one week, the Old Goats DXpedition team (including Rooster and Peanut!) is off to participate in the 2009 Colo 14er "special event" hamradio (see http://www.14er.org/ ) activation of Humboldt Peak (14,064') this August 9th using our 2008 callsign of N0B. After setting a "first" for a QRP HF out-of-state, 14er-to-14er qso in 2008 (Mt. Whitney, CA to Uncompaghre, CO), this time we hope to make a 3-way, summit QSOs between Mt. Shasta, Mt. Langley (both in CA) and Humboldt Peak in CO. The Colorado team of Steve/wG0AT and Guy/N7UN will hike into a 11,000’ base camp on Friday and setup QRP antennas for Friday and Saturday radio fun.<br />Then at 4 am MDT on Sunday we will start the summit climb of Humboldt with a goal of an 8 am MDT summit activation using the special event callsign N0B. At the same time, Brian/N6IZ will climb Mt. Shasta (14,162') and Mark/AF6AX will be climbing Mt Langley (14,062'). Guy/N7UN will be carrying a portable APRS unit (see http://aprs.fi and use N7UN-9 for the SSID) for near realtime route tracking. Anybody that might be interested in participating even if its basecamp activities in support of the climbing teams, please contact Guy/N7UN. Look forward to working you from the summit on 14.060, 14.342.5, and near the 2m/440 calling frequencies.</div></div>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-29000610800693546012009-07-20T09:16:00.001-04:002009-07-20T09:17:58.943-04:00<strong>News Release:</strong><br /><br />The Old Goats DXpedition team (including Rooster and Peanut!) is planning another Colo 14er "special event" activation of Humboldt Peak (14,064') this August 9th using our 2008 callsign of N0B. After setting a "first" for a QRP HF out-of-state, 14er-to-14er qso in 2008 (Mt. Whitney, CA to Uncompaghre, CO), this time we hope to make a 3-way, summit QSOs between Mt. Shasta, Mt. Langley (both in CA) and Humboldt Peak in CO. The Colorado team will hike into the 11,000’ base camp on Friday and setup QRP antennas for Friday and Saturday radio fun. Then at 4 am, Sunday, we will start the summit climb of Humboldt with a goal of an 8 am summit activation using special event callsign N0B. At the same time, Brian/N6IZ and Mark/AF6AX will be climbing Mt. Shasta and Mt Langley. Anybody that might be interested in participating even if its basecamp activities in support of the climbing teams, please contact Guy/N7UN. You can get updated information at <a href="http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/">http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com</a> Hope to work you!N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141567.post-81454893656302223222008-12-25T08:13:00.000-05:002008-12-25T08:22:15.628-05:00<strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">December 2008 Polar Bear QRP Event</span></strong><br /><p>Wow!! What a contrast to the October Polar Bear outing! Just about a 50-deg f. temperature swing! Just what Polar Bears like! This Saturday was two days after a sleet/ice storm in our area and the ice was everywhere, especially on my favorite antenna support structure, the BearFort Firetower.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/40jgwuYBESE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/40jgwuYBESE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>You can get more information about the Polar Bears at the Yahoo Group: PolarBearsQrp_Ops. It seemed that 20m was pretty hot given the current solar conditions. Worked a number of Polar Bears on the west coast including K6BBQ and KE7LKW, a new Polar Bear in Wash. Hope to work you on our January 2009 outing!</p>N7UNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762224356136841704noreply@blogger.com0